Last month, Gov. Eric Greitens issued an executive order to create a statewide prescription drug monitoring program-or PDMP. Missouri is the last state to establish one, but it’s not for a lack of trying. For years State Rep. Holly Rehder pushed for legislation to create one, but her attempts fell short. Rehder says while there is still room to improve the program, it’s a necessary step in the right direction. KRCU’s Marissanne Lewis-Thompson spoke with Rehder about it.

Last week, a gas chamber used for euthanization at the animal shelter in Malden was demolished. It was one of five known gas chambers left in the entire state.

Amanda Good, the Missouri Director for the Humane Society of the United States, said two months ago, an advocate contacted the Humane Society about the shelter’s new leadership and their interest in getting rid of the gas chamber using the available $3,000 grant it had turned down two years prior.

On Monday Gov. Eric Greitens announced plans to cut $146.4 million to balance Missouri’s budget. Funding for higher education across the state took the biggest hit with $55.9 million withheld. Four year institutions like Southeast Missouri State University are currently reviewing the university’s budget for the fiscal year. KRCU’s Marissanne Lewis-Thompson spoke with Kathy Mangels, the Vice President for Finance and Administration at Southeast about these budget cuts and what it means for the university.

With the 2017 legislative session in full swing, rumblings of right-to-work legislation have surfaced yet again. Now with backing from new Gov. Eric Greitens, Republicans are likely to get it passed this time. State Rep. Kathy Swan spoke with KRCU's Marissanne Lewis-Thompson to talk about this and much more.